Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel is an excellent option for couples looking for a more intimate and luxurious all-inclusive option outside of the hustle of Cancun. The four-and-a-half pearl property is spread out over gorgeous grounds that are partially manicured and artistic and partially jungle-like and wild so the overall ambiance is natural and feels almost isolated. No kids allowed means the two swimming pools, sandy beach, and plethora of restaurants are generally quiet and relaxing. Adult-friendly facilities include a sleek spa (free access to use the steam room and pool), cigar lounge, and one of the best equipped gyms in Mexico. Suites and casitas come standard with private outdoor bathtubs and minibars stocked with free drinks.
Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel is an excellent option for couples looking for a more intimate and luxurious all-inclusive option outside of the hustle of Cancun. The four-and-a-half pearl property is spread out over gorgeous grounds that are partially manicured and artistic and partially jungle-like and wild so the overall ambiance is natural and feels almost isolated. No kids allowed means the two swimming pools, sandy beach, and plethora of restaurants are generally quiet and relaxing. Adult-friendly facilities include a sleek spa (free access to use the steam room and pool), cigar lounge, and one of the best equipped gyms in Mexico. Suites and casitas come standard with private outdoor bathtubs and minibars stocked with free drinks.
The Hotel Riu Yucatan is an upper-mid-range, all-inclusive resort on the beach that attempts to please everyone, but often falls short. Wristbands are required of all guests and though there are several restaurants and bars, the food is mostly bland and the drinks are watered down. An upgrade to a Suite is required if you want a bathroom door; liquor dispensers on the wall might be unappealing for families (but are a nice surprise for partiers). The white sandy beach is clean and there are two outdoor swimming pools, plus a pool with a swim-up bar and a small pool in the kids' club. It may be worth comparing rates at ClubHotel Riu Tequila across the street; rates are slightly lower and you get access to everything offered at Riu Yucatan.
The Hotel Riu Yucatan is an upper-mid-range, all-inclusive resort on the beach that attempts to please everyone, but often falls short. Wristbands are required of all guests and though there are several restaurants and bars, the food is mostly bland and the drinks are watered down. An upgrade to a Suite is required if you want a bathroom door; liquor dispensers on the wall might be unappealing for families (but are a nice surprise for partiers). The white sandy beach is clean and there are two outdoor swimming pools, plus a pool with a swim-up bar and a small pool in the kids' club. It may be worth comparing rates at ClubHotel Riu Tequila across the street; rates are slightly lower and you get access to everything offered at Riu Yucatan.
The upscale, 120-room Reef 28 is a hip adults-only hotel with an optional all-inclusive package and setting just a few minutes' walk from the beach and popular 5th Avenue. Style goes for miles at this modern, boho-chic property, and its younger-leaning guests typically favorite the rooftop pool area, chic spa with hydrotherapy circuit (fee), and three restaurants with Mexican, Asian, and buffet fare. Spacious Junior Suites have minibars, rainfall showers, and furnished terraces, while Master Suites add kitchenettes, whirlpool tubs, and living spaces. The all-inclusive plan covers all meals, alcoholic drinks at three bars, all activities and water sports, and gym access. However, expect loud poolside techno music and a shortage of pool loungers, plus having to take a shuttle for beach clubs. Travelers wanting direct beach access should consider the luxury Royal Playa del Carmen.
The upscale, 120-room Reef 28 is a hip adults-only hotel with an optional all-inclusive package and setting just a few minutes' walk from the beach and popular 5th Avenue. Style goes for miles at this modern, boho-chic property, and its younger-leaning guests typically favorite the rooftop pool area, chic spa with hydrotherapy circuit (fee), and three restaurants with Mexican, Asian, and buffet fare. Spacious Junior Suites have minibars, rainfall showers, and furnished terraces, while Master Suites add kitchenettes, whirlpool tubs, and living spaces. The all-inclusive plan covers all meals, alcoholic drinks at three bars, all activities and water sports, and gym access. However, expect loud poolside techno music and a shortage of pool loungers, plus having to take a shuttle for beach clubs. Travelers wanting direct beach access should consider the luxury Royal Playa del Carmen.
This four-pearl all-inclusive resort is a favorite among families and travelers looking to be as close as possible to the wildlife and beauty of Xcaret eco-park. This is one of the only hotels with direct access to the park, and it offers packaged entrance deals and river transportation. Seven pools, 11 restaurants, nine bars and a disco, plus a popular lagoon-style beach keep guests entertained. The 765 rooms were renovated in 2016 and now have a basic style, minibars, balconies, and large flat-screen TVs. Royal Club perks include upgraded amenities and exclusive features. There is nothing within walking distance, but the hotel has daily activities, nightly shows, and a kids' club. For a more traditional and high quality beach, the Barcelo Maya Tropical is a solid alternative.
This four-pearl all-inclusive resort is a favorite among families and travelers looking to be as close as possible to the wildlife and beauty of Xcaret eco-park. This is one of the only hotels with direct access to the park, and it offers packaged entrance deals and river transportation. Seven pools, 11 restaurants, nine bars and a disco, plus a popular lagoon-style beach keep guests entertained. The 765 rooms were renovated in 2016 and now have a basic style, minibars, balconies, and large flat-screen TVs. Royal Club perks include upgraded amenities and exclusive features. There is nothing within walking distance, but the hotel has daily activities, nightly shows, and a kids' club. For a more traditional and high quality beach, the Barcelo Maya Tropical is a solid alternative.
Viva Wyndham Azteca is an upper-middle-range, all-inclusive option for families and couples who want an easy beach vacation in Playa del Carmen. Daily rates are generally low, but guests are nickel-and-dimed for Wi-Fi and premium alcohol. Plus, there are restrictions on how many times guests can visit the non-buffet restaurants here and at the sister property. The outdoor pool is shallow and often overrun with kids. A metal gate in the water sectioning off the kids' area doesn't do much for the ambiance. One saving grace is the gorgeous white beach with sun loungers and umbrellas. VIP guests can get drink service on the sand. You may want to spend a little more money at BlueBay Grand Esmerelda for bigger pools and no restaurant limits.
Viva Wyndham Azteca is an upper-middle-range, all-inclusive option for families and couples who want an easy beach vacation in Playa del Carmen. Daily rates are generally low, but guests are nickel-and-dimed for Wi-Fi and premium alcohol. Plus, there are restrictions on how many times guests can visit the non-buffet restaurants here and at the sister property. The outdoor pool is shallow and often overrun with kids. A metal gate in the water sectioning off the kids' area doesn't do much for the ambiance. One saving grace is the gorgeous white beach with sun loungers and umbrellas. VIP guests can get drink service on the sand. You may want to spend a little more money at BlueBay Grand Esmerelda for bigger pools and no restaurant limits.
The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences is an upscale beachfront property with 475 apartment-style suites a 20-minute drive from downtown Playa del Carmen. Good kids' and teens' clubs, and units with up to three bedrooms make it a family favorite, while couples can use an adults-only pool and luxe spa. All rooms have a contemporary look, though those in the newer block shine brighter. All units have outdoor spaces, free Wi-Fi, and luxe touches like pillow menus, while suites add full kitchens and some have whirlpools. Eleven largely well-regarded gourmet restaurants and five bars make this a hit with foodies. A small gym, water sports, and various activities and entertainment are also on offer. This spot is great for fun-loving guests, but for something more peaceful, it's worth checking out the smaller Le Reve Hotel & Spa.
The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences is an upscale beachfront property with 475 apartment-style suites a 20-minute drive from downtown Playa del Carmen. Good kids' and teens' clubs, and units with up to three bedrooms make it a family favorite, while couples can use an adults-only pool and luxe spa. All rooms have a contemporary look, though those in the newer block shine brighter. All units have outdoor spaces, free Wi-Fi, and luxe touches like pillow menus, while suites add full kitchens and some have whirlpools. Eleven largely well-regarded gourmet restaurants and five bars make this a hit with foodies. A small gym, water sports, and various activities and entertainment are also on offer. This spot is great for fun-loving guests, but for something more peaceful, it's worth checking out the smaller Le Reve Hotel & Spa.
The 286-room Allegro Playacar is a beachfront all-inclusive that's a good bet for travelers on a budget. Situated on a gorgeous white-sand beach, this mid-range resort has two large pools -- one lively with a 10-person-strong animation team and the other a designated quiet pool -- plus a disco, theater, kids' club with its own mini pool, tennis courts, and beach volleyball. There are several restaurants and bars, including a swim-up bar at the main pool. Rooms are small, but they have stocked minibars, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. Some have ocean views and kitchens. A big drawback is that Wi-Fi costs a daily per-person fee. For a family-friendly Playacar pick with free Wi-Fi and even lusher landscaping, consider Iberostar Tucan Hotel, though rates there are generally higher.
The 286-room Allegro Playacar is a beachfront all-inclusive that's a good bet for travelers on a budget. Situated on a gorgeous white-sand beach, this mid-range resort has two large pools -- one lively with a 10-person-strong animation team and the other a designated quiet pool -- plus a disco, theater, kids' club with its own mini pool, tennis courts, and beach volleyball. There are several restaurants and bars, including a swim-up bar at the main pool. Rooms are small, but they have stocked minibars, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. Some have ocean views and kitchens. A big drawback is that Wi-Fi costs a daily per-person fee. For a family-friendly Playacar pick with free Wi-Fi and even lusher landscaping, consider Iberostar Tucan Hotel, though rates there are generally higher.
The 214-room Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya is a hip luxury resort within the sleek Mayakoba complex along the coast in Playa del Carmen. Stylish, modern rooms have local touches, rainfall showers, Bluetooth speakers, and furnished terraces, plus some add tubs and private pools. However, many are far from the beach, so use of free bikes or golf cart rides are necessary. Two outdoor pools -- one by the beach -- four tasty restaurants serving Mexican and international cuisines, a swish spa, window-filled gym, and kids' club provide plenty to do on-site, plus guests can take free lagoon boat tours, golf, and eat at neighboring resorts. All-inclusive packages are available. The vibe here is trendy and relaxed, with low-key entertainment consisting of live music at night. Couples wanting a luxe, adults-only property should consider the all-inclusive Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel.
The 214-room Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya is a hip luxury resort within the sleek Mayakoba complex along the coast in Playa del Carmen. Stylish, modern rooms have local touches, rainfall showers, Bluetooth speakers, and furnished terraces, plus some add tubs and private pools. However, many are far from the beach, so use of free bikes or golf cart rides are necessary. Two outdoor pools -- one by the beach -- four tasty restaurants serving Mexican and international cuisines, a swish spa, window-filled gym, and kids' club provide plenty to do on-site, plus guests can take free lagoon boat tours, golf, and eat at neighboring resorts. All-inclusive packages are available. The vibe here is trendy and relaxed, with low-key entertainment consisting of live music at night. Couples wanting a luxe, adults-only property should consider the all-inclusive Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel.
The Grand Sunset Princess All Suites Resort & Spa is an upscale all-inclusive property along a pretty stretch of beach in Playa del Carmen. Together with its adjacent sister property, the Grand Riviera Princess All Suites Resort & Spa, the property has 672 modern, spacious rooms with a balcony or terrace. The huge complex -- 12 pools, nine restaurants, 10 bars, sports facilities, and spa -- is spread out among gorgeously manicured grounds, but requires a lot of walking. Note that some a la carte restaurants and Wi-Fi aren't included in the all-inclusive except for Platinum guests, so it may be worth upgrading. There is no significant difference between the Grand Sunset and Grand Riviera as all features are shared, so book at whichever side has cheaper rates.
The Grand Sunset Princess All Suites Resort & Spa is an upscale all-inclusive property along a pretty stretch of beach in Playa del Carmen. Together with its adjacent sister property, the Grand Riviera Princess All Suites Resort & Spa, the property has 672 modern, spacious rooms with a balcony or terrace. The huge complex -- 12 pools, nine restaurants, 10 bars, sports facilities, and spa -- is spread out among gorgeously manicured grounds, but requires a lot of walking. Note that some a la carte restaurants and Wi-Fi aren't included in the all-inclusive except for Platinum guests, so it may be worth upgrading. There is no significant difference between the Grand Sunset and Grand Riviera as all features are shared, so book at whichever side has cheaper rates.
Walking distance to hordes of restaurants, bars, and shops, the 157-room Tukan Hotel is ideal for those who just want a place to crash after hitting the streets (and the bars) of Playa del Carmen’s La Quinta Avenida strip. Don’t expect too many extras from this mid-range spot (unless you’re on the Premium plan), though there are two pools, two restaurants, and two bars to choose from as well as an independently operated beach club a 15-minute walk down the street. Rooms are clean and simple with reasonably modern (if slightly soulless) decor. This hotel walks a fine line between satisfactory and disappointing, so adjust your expectations accordingly before booking.
Walking distance to hordes of restaurants, bars, and shops, the 157-room Tukan Hotel is ideal for those who just want a place to crash after hitting the streets (and the bars) of Playa del Carmen’s La Quinta Avenida strip. Don’t expect too many extras from this mid-range spot (unless you’re on the Premium plan), though there are two pools, two restaurants, and two bars to choose from as well as an independently operated beach club a 15-minute walk down the street. Rooms are clean and simple with reasonably modern (if slightly soulless) decor. This hotel walks a fine line between satisfactory and disappointing, so adjust your expectations accordingly before booking.